URD under Mobile Home

[frankft2000]

I've seen a couple of instances where URD 4 wire is run under a mobile home but not in conduit. I havn't seen much mention of URD cable in the NEC. Is this a utility cable and not covered under the NEC and should this wire be in conduit?

 

[tom baker]

Re: URD under Mobile Home

Encased in 2" of concrete or under 18" of earth a wiring method is considered outside of the building. See 2002 NEC section 230.6.

These are conductors on the customer side of the service disconnect?
By URD you a mean a conductor listed as USE?

[ August 11, 2004, 03:07 PM: Message edited by: tom baker ]

 

[frankft2000]

Re: URD under Mobile Home

This URD cable comes either in a tri-plex or quad-plex. It is either 3 or 4 conductors weaved together without a outer jacket. This cable can be directly buried. What I've seen is to this cable come out of the ground and go into the panel of the mobile home with no conduit.

 

[jemsvcs]

Re: URD under Mobile Home

URD - Underground Residential Distribution. Usually rated USE-2 and XHHW-2.

Jemsvcs

[ August 11, 2004, 06:16 PM: Message edited by: jemsvcs ]

 

[a.wayne3@verizon.net]

Re: URD under Mobile Home

Seems to though not covered in the NEc as far as I can see,300.4 would not allow this.As a side note 3 weeks ago on a final I met the inspector in the front yard was a xformer set 18 ins`s to high when utilities were set but now the rain has washed 1/2 of the dirt away and all the latterals are exposed no pipe nothing but air.The inspectors eyes bugged but after calling the poco all he could say was well it`s in there court.Passed it today and the situatoin is the same but worse the xformer is leaning and Charlie is coming BOOM !!!!!Why is it allowed for pocos to be above the NEC.If this was a home and the poco was called for dangerous situation then power would be off but they go on ?????

 

[charlie]

Re: URD under Mobile Home

Wayne, how does 300.4 apply to USE cable that is installed outdoors? The reason I didn't say URD cable is that it is not listed so it can't be used inside. The same applies to USE cable unless it has a dual listing.

I am having trouble with your story about exposed cable. If this is a pad mounted transformer and it is 18" too high, how did the grade get cut? I assure you that we do not set our transformers high unless fill is going to be done. The AHJ was correct to say that the ball was in the electric utility's court. I am sure that they are going back on the developer or owner to get the situation taken care of so there is no danger to the public or their facilities and the NESC is met.

The power companies are covered by a different Code, that is why we do not follow the NEC.

 

[hurk27]

Re: URD under Mobile Home

As far as needing a raceway:

24 CFR Part 3280
3280.803
Power supply.
(2) An approved raceway from the disconnecting means in the
manufactured home to the underside of the manufactured home with
provisions for the attachment of a suitable junction box or fitting to
the raceway on the underside of the manufactured home. The manufacturer
shall provide in his written installation instructions, the proper
feeder conductor sizes for the raceway and the size of the junction box
to be used;


3280.808
Wiring methods and materials.
(k) When outdoor or under-chassis line-voltage wiring is exposed to
moisture or physical damage, it shall be protected by rigid metal
conduit. The conductors shall be suitable for wet locations. Electrical
metallic tubing may be used when closely routed against frames, and
equipment enclosures.

(l) The cables or conductors shall be Type NMC, TW, or equivalent.

This is out of 24 CFR of the HUD codes that apply to manufactured homes. and it overrides State and local codes

[ August 13, 2004, 01:16 AM: Message edited by: hurk27 ]

 

[a.wayne3@verizon.net]

Re: URD under Mobile Home

Well Charlie the poco set the trans pad from curb grade and when the driveways and final grade was done there was 18 of dirt under it rain washed it out and now its leaning.If you have trouble with my post so be it but peoples safety are an issue that even billegerent pocos have to be concerned with.They are not above being sued for there mistakes.I`m sick of pocos saying we dont have to answer to the NEC.Tell that to the people that have kids playing around this situation.

 

[charlie]

Re: URD under Mobile Home

Can we be responsible for the weather? Sorry if you are a bit perturbed about this but we are required to follow the NESC and we can't control the weather. I am sure the local power company doesn't want exposed cable or a leaning transformer that is above grade. As soon as they can get to it, they will repair the problem. As with any storm, you have to give them time to get it done.